All the performances of human art, at which we look with praise or wonder, are instances of the resistless force of perseverance: it is by this that the quarry becomes a pyramid, and that distant countries are united with canals. If a man was to compare the effect of a single stroke of the pick-axe, or of one impression of the spade, with the general design and last result, he would be overwhelmed by the sense of their disproportion; yet those petty operations, incessantly continued, in time surmount the greatest difficulties, and mountains are levelled, and oceans bounded, by the slender force of human beings. It is therefore of the utmost importance that those, who have any intention of deviating from the beaten roads of life, and acquiring a reputation superior to names hourly swept away by time among the refuse of fame, should add to their reason, and their spirit, the power of persisting in their purposes; acquire the art of sapping what they cannot batter, and the habit of vanquishing obstinate resistance by obstinate attacks.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- This emphasizes that great achievements result from small, persistent efforts over time rather than single actions.
- In plain terms
- Big results come from doing small tasks over and over until they add up to something great.
- What can you take from it?
- Consistent small efforts can overcome the biggest obstacles over time.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What small habit helps you succeed?
- How do you handle setbacks?
Another view
Some situations require strategic pivots more than persistence.
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